Gardner will finally get chance to prove worth at left tackle

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Andrew Gardner has been trying to gain some footing in the NFL for the last four years. Next week he’ll have a chance to show the Texans what he can do as the starting left tackle.

All-Pro tackle Duane Brown will miss about a month after having a bone spur shaved from his foot on Wednesday. That means his backup will see extended time during next week’s minicamp.

Gardner has played three seasons since being drafted by Miami in 2009. He did not play in 2010. He played three games for the Texans in 2012.

“Reps are good always,” Gardner said. “You have to make the best of the reps you get. You’re always trying to show the coaches you’re a guy they can rely on.”

Gardner used Thursday’s OTA as a chance to prepare for next week’s increased role. He said OTAs are a great opportunity for a refresher because some players haven’t been able to be around the team for five months.

That means he’s missed a lot of time in which he could be around Brown. Gardner said he feels fortunate to have the chance to learn from who some say is the best left tackle in the NFL.

“We always talk about techniques,” Gardner said. “We’re not the exact same type of player so we don’t do things the same, but anything I can pick up from him I do.”

Gary Kubiak left the sessions with concern about his right tackle situation. Neither Derek Newton nor Brennan Williams participated in OTAs.

Newton is recovering from offseason knee surgery.

“Up front, the right tackle has got me concerned right now,” Kubiak said. “Guys have missed a lot of time, but I think the work has been good. We got out of this thing healthy. All these guys that have missed a little time will be back. We’ll finish up next week with just the young guys.”